Gili Islandsis 42% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (58/10) vs Sihanoukville "Pricey" (36/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $11/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
🇰🇭 Sihanoukville
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★17 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★4 hostels, avg 9.8 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $36/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $24/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $1.80, dorms avg $9
★★★★★Coffee $2.25, dorms avg $11
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $2.54, 17 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.00, 4 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇮🇩 Gili Islands | 🇰🇭 Sihanoukville | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $11 cheaper | $19 | $8/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $21 cheaper | $37 | $15/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $40 cheaper | $69 | $29/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇮🇩 Gili Islands | 🇰🇭 Sihanoukville |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $1.06 74% less | $4 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $5.40 64% less | $15 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $2.54 | $1 61% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $1.80 20% less | $2.25 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.60 | — |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇮🇩58
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelMad Monkey Gili Trawangan (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels17
🇰🇭36
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $11/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelThe Last Point (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$11/night
Total hostels4
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
🇰🇭 Sihanoukville
City to City
Getting Between Gili Islands & Sihanoukville
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
🌧 Rainfall: 196mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
🇰🇭 Sihanoukville
🌧 Rainfall: 119mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Dec
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇮🇩 Gili Islands
1. BunkerFree
2. Gili Meno Taman Burung - Bird ParkFree
3. Gili Meno TurtlesFree
4. HalikFree
5. MALIMBU 2Free
🇰🇭 Sihanoukville
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Gili Islands or Sihanoukville cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Gili Islands vs Sihanoukville?+
Do I need a visa for Gili Islands or Sihanoukville?+
When is the best time to visit Gili Islands or Sihanoukville?+
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